Just wanted to say thanks for asking this question! I'm in almost the exact same boat - worked somewhere for just under 3 months before getting laid off. Reading these responses makes me feel much better about filing my claim.

Don't let the complexity discourage you from filing! I work as a benefits counselor and see this situation all the time. The NYS Department of Labor system is definitely confusing, but the key thing to remember is that unemployment insurance is designed to help workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own - regardless of how long they worked at their last position. Your two years of previous employment history is exactly what the base period calculation is meant to capture. I'd recommend filing online at labor.ny.gov as soon as possible since there's a waiting period, and you can always appeal if there are any issues with your initial determination.

I went through the exact same nightmare earlier this year! After my hold was lifted, it took 6 business days before I saw any money. What really helped me was calling back after 3 days to confirm they had actually processed the "release" on their end - turns out the first agent only removed the hold but didn't trigger the payment release (there are apparently two separate steps). Also, check your online account daily because sometimes they'll put the payments in "pending" status for a day or two before they actually send them out. Don't panic if you see that - it just means the money is working its way through their ancient system. Keep documenting everything and definitely keep certifying weekly like normal. The backpay hit all at once for me too. Hang in there, you're so close to getting this resolved! 💪

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! My hold was removed on Monday and I'm still waiting to see any payments come through. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - sounds like it could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The inconsistency is what's driving me crazy. Like some of you mentioned, it seems totally random whether you get an agent who can actually help or one who just gives you the runaround. I'm going to take the advice about calling back to ask specifically about the "release code" and whether they've actually triggered the payment release (not just removed the hold). Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and tips - it helps to know I'm not alone in this mess. Will update this thread when my payments finally come through in case it helps anyone else! 🤞

Just went through this myself. Pro tip: when you print your payment history from my.ny.gov, also print out your original determination letter that shows your weekly benefit amount. Having both documents together makes it look more official and complete.

Another option is to ask the landlord if they'll accept a screenshot or printout of your unemployment debit card transaction history. If you get your benefits loaded onto a KeyBank debit card, those transactions show up like direct deposits with dates and amounts. Some landlords find this easier to understand than the official DOL payment history since it looks more like regular bank statements they're used to seeing.

UGH this is exactly why I hate dealing with NYS Department of Labor! They make it impossible to get basic information about YOUR OWN MONEY. The fact that you can't easily see your overpayment balance online in 2025 is absolutely ridiculous.

I had the same frustrating experience with NYS Department of Labor's overpayment system! What finally worked for me was calling their overpayment unit directly at (518) 457-2635 - it's a separate number from the regular unemployment line so the wait times are usually shorter. When you call, have your SSN and the overpayment notice handy. They can tell you your exact balance including any interest that may have accrued. I also recommend asking them to send you a payment statement by mail so you have it in writing. The online system is honestly broken for tracking these balances.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my claim has been stuck on "pending review" for over a month! Reading through all these suggestions, it sounds like the Claimyr service that @Logan Scott mentioned might be worth trying since the regular phone lines are basically impossible. Has anyone else had success with that approach? I'm also going to try the Wednesday 8am strategy that @Dylan Wright suggested, but honestly at this point I'm willing to try anything that actually works. It's so frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops just to speak to someone about our own claims!

I actually did contact my state representative's office about 2 weeks ago when my claim got stuck, and it was surprisingly helpful! I called the local office of my Assembly member, explained the situation to a staff person, and they said they deal with unemployment issues all the time. They took down my claim number and contact info, then reached out to DOL on my behalf. Within 3 business days, someone from unemployment called ME directly to resolve the issue - turns out they needed additional verification from my previous employer that never got processed properly. The whole thing was resolved in that one call. I'd definitely recommend trying this route alongside the other strategies people mentioned. You can find your representative at nyassembly.gov by entering your address. It's worth a shot when you're stuck in limbo like this!